³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Simone Biles is famous for her Amanar vault, which includes a handspring and two and a half twists. Her struggle to complete this manoevre this week has made more people aware of the dangers of certain gymnastic routines, and the necessity of feeling strong mentally to do this safely.

Katelyn Ohashi was a member of the US gymnastics team and a former team mate of Simone Biles. She supports her decision to withdraw from the Olympics, and says this has highlighted an expectation that athletes can continue to produce medals without an awareness of the cost of this to their wellbeing and physical health.

"When you're talking about someone like a gymnast who is already doing the hardest things seen in gymnastics, you're talking about life and death. It looks like she got a little bit of the 'twisties' where she got lost in her vault. It can cause serious injury. She needs to be 100% mentally there or something will take you out if you're not."

Photo: Simone Biles in action on the vault, 27 July 2021, Tokyo Olympics Credit: Reuters

Show less